Oral History Page

Curtis Tigard Interview - Courtesy City of Tigard

101-year-old Curtis Tigard, whose grandfather Wilson M. Tigard founded our city in 1852, sat down with cameras rolling on October 1, 2010 and recalled some great tales for use as a historical record. Mr. Tigard was born in 1910, and as you'll see in the video, he is witty, conversant and very sharp as he recalls magical moments of his boyhood in Tigard in the early 1900's.

Hunting skunks at the foot of Bull Mountain, swimming in Fanno Creek behind where the library now sits, catching crawdads in the Tualatin River, walking 6 miles to and from high school fueled by 6 maple bars after football practice are just some of the stories you'll hear. He also discusses finding a job during the Great Depression and how his wife helped the founding of Cook Park half a century ago. The interview was conducted, appropriately, in his uncle's home, the John Tigard House (now the Tigard Historical Association,) which was saved from demolition in the 1970's. The home was moved 30 years ago and sits on the corner of SW Canterbury Lane and SW 103rd in Tigard.

Oral History Interviews

Do you love to interact with people? THA has a great opportunity for you! We are looking for people who would enjoy conducting video oral history interviews. Not trained? No problem! We will train you! You will be part of a two-person team. One person will deal with the camera and the other person will ask the interviewee questions. Once trained, you can participate according to your schedule. Please call Martha Worley at 503-747-9856 or e-mail Valri Darling if you are interested.

Wish to be Interviewed?

Oral histories are extremely important. THA would like to record your memories of the community. If you wish to be interviewed for the THA Oral History project, please call Martha Worley at 503-747-9856 or e-mail info@tigardhistorical.org.

Want to Know More?

If you would like take part in the Tigard Historical Associations Oral History Project please contact Martha Worley at 503-747-9856 or e-mail info@tigardhistorical.org

Click on the Tigard Times article below to read the latest about the project!